I recently published a small educational book with OUP based on a Cornish myth. This triggered a long-time wish to delve deeper into the folklore and legends that were a part of my upbringing. Cornwall has a rich heritage of stories and superstitions. I got really engrossed with the research (for engrossed read obsessed) and ended up with three huge folders crammed full of stories of mermaids, witches, giants and much, much more.
It's wonderful stuff. Here's a taster...
PISKIES: mischievous little creatures known for dancing and playfulness. Their leader is Joan the Wad. They supposedly inhabit stone circles and ancient barrows. As a kid I convinced myself that I saw several of these little folk in the wood near our house.
MERMAIDS: Probably the most famous Cornish mermaid is the mermaid of Zennor who's wonderful singing lured a local man, Mathew Trewhella, away from the village never to be seen again. I claim a sort of kinship to this particular mermaid - my mother was a Trewhella.
GIANTS: If you've been to Cornwall you'll know St Michael's Mount - the tidal island off Cornwall's southern coast with the fairy-tale castle on top. It's said that the giant, Cormoron, carried white granite from the mainland to build it. If you walk up to the castle you'll see a heart-shaped stone on the pathway. It's all that's left of the giant - if you stand still and listen carefully, you'll hear it beat. As an eight-year old I knew I heard the thrum of the giant's blood.
I'm not sure yet what I want to do with this treasure trove. Maybe take the legends as they stand and adapt them for children. Maybe incorporate the mythical stories into contemporary MG fiction. Maybe both. In the meantime, I need to stop researching - but it's so addictive isn't it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE.
Email: sharontregenza@gmail.com
2 comments:
Ah, but Sharon, you're almost hiding the cheekiest grin in children's fiction. Happy Christmas to you too. Xx
Hahaha - thanks, Steve and a Merry Christmas to you and yours. xx
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